Khabib Stirs Debate, Saying Usman Nurmagomedov Is Superior to Ilia Topuria

Khabib Nurmagomedov has stirred up heated debate in the MMA community after declaring that his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, is a more complete fighter than current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. While many fans consider Khabib’s statement biased given his family connection, the former undefeated UFC lightweight champion insists his opinion is based on skillset and well-rounded ability rather than personal loyalty.

The remarks have fueled conversations about where both fighters stand among the sport’s elite, especially as Usman continues to dominate outside the UFC and Topuria cements his star power inside it.

Usman Nurmagomedov’s Rise Across Promotions

At just 26 years old, Usman Nurmagomedov has already built an impressive résumé. Fighting under the banner of Eagles MMA and later establishing himself in Bellator MMA, Usman captured the Bellator lightweight title and defended it with dominant performances. His slick striking, relentless grappling, and calm composure inside the cage have drawn comparisons to his cousin Khabib, who retired undefeated at 29-0.

After Bellator’s merger into the PFL (Professional Fighters League), Usman continued to prove his class. His recent victory over Irish talent Paul Hughes added another notable name to his record, and the pair are set for a rematch on October 3 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. With an undefeated record still intact, Usman is positioning himself as one of the best lightweights in the world, even without UFC experience.

Khabib points to this versatility and consistency as evidence of Usman’s superiority. “They have to fight. People can talk, they can say whatever they want. In my opinion, like well-rounded fighter, I think Usman is better,” Khabib said.

Ilia Topuria’s Meteoric Rise in the UFC

On the other side of the debate is Ilia Topuria, who has taken the UFC by storm. The Georgian-Spanish fighter has not only remained undefeated but also delivered one of the most impressive streaks in recent memory. Topuria scored consecutive knockouts against Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira—three of the greatest fighters in featherweight and lightweight history.

This run propelled him into superstardom, earning him the UFC lightweight championship and comparisons to Conor McGregor for his charisma, self-belief, and crowd-pleasing fight style. Topuria’s confidence is sky-high, and he has already called out reigning lightweight contender Islam Makhachev, boldly promising to submit him using his favorite grappling techniques.

The mix of finishing power, grappling ability, and showmanship has made Topuria one of the UFC’s most marketable champions, and his fanbase continues to grow rapidly.

Khabib’s Perspective on the Debate

Khabib has always been cautious in his words, but when it comes to his cousin Usman, he has been vocal in praising his talent. The former UFC champion emphasized that the only way to settle the debate is for the two fighters to face each other in the cage.

“They have to fight,” Khabib said when asked to compare Usman and Topuria. “People can talk, they can say whatever they want. In my opinion, like well-rounded fighter, I think Usman is better.”

For Khabib, it comes down to fundamentals. While Topuria has proven his knockout power and star quality, Usman’s balance of striking, wrestling, and submission grappling makes him, in Khabib’s view, the more complete athlete.

Comparing Their Skill Sets

Breaking down both fighters highlights why this debate is so compelling:

• Striking: Topuria has shown explosive knockout power with clinical finishing ability, while Usman uses a more measured striking style, setting up takedowns and controlling distance.

• Grappling: Usman, much like Khabib, is an elite-level grappler who can dominate opponents on the ground with relentless pressure. Topuria, while dangerous on the mat, is better known for his striking dominance.

• Versatility: Usman’s ability to mix wrestling, clinch control, and striking arguably makes him more “well-rounded.” Topuria, however, blends speed and aggression in a way that overwhelms opponents.

• Competition Level: Topuria has fought and beaten UFC legends, giving him the edge in terms of high-profile victories. Usman, while undefeated, still faces the criticism of not having proven himself against UFC’s top-tier competition.

The Star Power Factor

While Khabib argues skill-for-skill Usman is superior, many fans believe Topuria’s marketability and performances against household names give him the edge. The Georgian champion’s personality and trash talk evoke memories of McGregor’s rise, and his knockout wins have given him mainstream recognition.

Usman, meanwhile, has taken a quieter approach, letting his performances speak for themselves. He has yet to receive the global spotlight that comes with UFC exposure, though his upcoming rematch against Paul Hughes in Dubai could bring more attention his way.

Could a Fight Between Them Happen?

The biggest hurdle in settling this debate is the simple fact that Usman is not in the UFC. Topuria is committed to defending his UFC lightweight title, while Usman is under contract with the PFL. A crossover fight would require major negotiations between promotions, making it unlikely in the short term.

Still, fans love to speculate. If Usman continues to dominate in the PFL and Topuria keeps defending his UFC belt, the calls for a dream clash between the two may grow louder. The fight would not only pit two undefeated lightweight champions against each other but also extend the legacy of Khabib’s family in MMA.

Conclusion

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s claim that Usman Nurmagomedov is better than Ilia Topuria has added fuel to an already fiery debate in the MMA world. While Topuria has captured the spotlight with high-profile UFC victories and knockout power, Usman has quietly built an undefeated record across multiple organizations, showcasing a balanced and well-rounded style that Khabib argues gives him the edge.

For now, the debate remains hypothetical. Until the day the two fighters share the same cage, fans and analysts will continue to argue over who truly holds the edge. One thing is certain: both Usman Nurmagomedov and Ilia Topuria are among the brightest stars in the lightweight division, and their dominance in different promotions is helping shape the future of MMA.